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Orbi RBK852 - No way to have separate SSIDs for 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands- No work-around, it seems
I just got an Orbi RBK852. My plan was to replace two older ASUS routers in an AIMesh configuration with the new Orbi that support Wifi 6 as the ASUS devices have been unstable. I used to have older ...
NG doesn't or had officially supported any form of separation of SSIDs. The Orbi system is based of the Smart Connect feature where it incorporates both 2.4 and 5Ghz into 1 SSID name and PW. The client devices make a determination along with what Orbi provides in signal and mode and the these device pick which frequency to connect too. If devices are dual band then they will mostly pick 5Ghz depending upon noise, signal quality and range. If devices are only 2.4Ghz supporting, these device will NEVER see or use 5Ghz whatsoever and will only connect to the 2.4Ghz frequency. Orib will help devices get connected however it's mostly up to the devices to pick and choose where they connect.
For most users, users are used to having control over separate SSID. However when Smart connect came out years ago. Some router manufacures starting implemented this feature. Yes, most offer disabling of the signal SSIDs, however in MESH configurations, the remote satellites are depended upon the back haul always being there to connect to and config data from the RBR. So on reason why NG keeps this going.
Been like this since the 1st generation Orbi AC as well. I presume NG has there reasons why they don't offier separation of SSIDs. Probably brings more hassle, problems and unwanted support calls that NG doesn't want to mess with.
I don't know of a single router that doesn't give you the option to disable smart connect. The new Fios G3100 wifi 6 router that was just released has an option to disable it so you can configure seperate ssid. This function does not work for everyone.
Most Non MESH wifi routers have the ability to disable Smart Connect if that feature is available on there router.
We are hoping that in the future NG will offer disabling of either 2.4 or 5Ghz SSID names like they did a couple of years ago for the Orbi AC models. This will help bring better setup experineces for 2.4Ghz support IoT devices which some Mfrs limit there set up software to work only on 2.4Ghz when the setup devices like phones or pads work on either frequency. Frequenies being also on the same Wireless network to each other.
- Asus Routers support mesh configuration and allow separate SSIDs for 5ghz and 2.4ghz WiFi.
I am not recommending then, nor I am recommending Netgear routers as many of these consumer products are very buggy.
I switched to UniFi routers/access points (Dream Machine) and all my network issues including WiFi disconnects went away. UniFi is superior implementation of 802.11n and ac.Good Luck in your endeavors.